UP standout Juan Gomez de Liaño to play in Japan B. League

Juan Gomez de Liaño is set to bring his act to Japan.

The 22-year-old University of the Philippines product has signed with Earthfriends Tokyo Z and will strut his stuff in the Japan B. League Division 2.

The team made the announcement on Wednesday morning, saying the former national team guard is tipped to power them under the Asian Player Quota rule.

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Thirdy Ravena was the first to blaze the trail when he signed with and suited up for the San-en NeoPhoenix in the prestigious tournament's top division.

Thirdy's older brother, Kiefer Ravena, recently rocked the basketball community when he struck a deal with Shiga Lakestars.

Last year, Jaydee Tungcab was also reportedly set to play for a Division 2 team, although that was derailed by the pandemic and he has since been drafted in the special Gilas Draft in the PBA Draft.

Gomez de Liaño, who's been the cornerstone of the Fighting Maroons the past years, will be opening a new chapter in his young career.

"Despite being a 22-year-old rookie, he won the Rookie of the Year in college, and since then he has been ranked 1st in assist and 2nd in score," the team said in a tweet.

"In addition, he represented the Philippines at this year's FIBA Asia cup, leaving an average of 12 points and 3 assists in the limited playtime of 15 minutes on average."

Aside from his three-year run with the Katipunan-based school, Gomez de Liaño also suited up for Gilas Pilipinas and recently saw action when the nationals competed in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

"I'm honored to be part of the Earthfriends Tokyo Z team and I'm very excited to battle it out and compete all throughout the season and to be part of this journey," Gomez de Liaño said.

"I'm looking forward to meeting you guys soon and I hope you guys support us through the challenges ahead."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News